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17 March 2020

Introduction of MHFA

Mental Health First Aid

MHFA as the name suggests stands for Mental Health First Aid. Most of us associate First Aid
with physical first aid that involves giving life-saving help & support during an emergency event.
On the contrary, very little is known or done for mental health issues. About 110% of the general
population in India suffer from mental health problems including depression, anxiety, stress
related disorders, psychosomatic conditions and alcohol / drug related problems. To top it all,
most people 2(83%) do not seek help for these problems either because they are unaware that they
have a mental health issue & do not know where to get help, or feel too stigmatized (ashamed,
embarrassed) to ask for help. Most times, people who are affected are not aware that they are going
through a mental health problem. It is, therefore, for those around them to recognize and take the
needful action.
The Mental Health First Aid program (MHFA) was developed aiming to provide community
members knowledge on mental health and be empowered to provide better initial support to
someone who is developing a mental health problem, has a worsening of an existing mental health
problem or is in a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aid Program is being developed by
Mental Health First Aid International. The MHFA program has gradually spread and been adopted
by 25 countries across the globe with nearly 3 million people trained as Mental Health First Aiders.
www.mhfa.com.au

What MHFA teaches?

Mental Health First Aid Training teaches people to spot the symptoms of mental health issues,
offer initial help and appropriately guide a person towards support. Participants learn about a
cluster of mental health problems and illnesses and skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of
mental illnesses. Practical skills are taught through a 5 step action plan of mental health first aid
(ALGEE) on how to approach, what to say or not say in different situations, how to provide
information and encourage professional help seeking. Just like Physical First Aid where people
learn steps to save life in emergencies, ALGEE helps to intervene at early stages thereby
preventing mental health problems from turning into crises.

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NMHS 2016. NIMHANS Bangalore
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NMHS 2016. NIMHANS Bangalore
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Why MHFA?
1. Having mental Health First Aid skills means that you can assist someone developing a mental
health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis and make a real difference to your
community.
2. MHFA is thoroughly an evidence based course. Delphi consensus method, where consumers,
carers, health professionals and researchers work together to agree what techniques and skills are
best practices. The guidelines have been developed in partnership with researchers and are adopted
to the Indian scenario in collaboration with MoHFW GoI.
3. MHFA training is evaluated by using rigorous scientific studies. you can view this link for the
latest research and publication in academic journals. https://mhfa.com.au/research/mhfa-course-
evaluations Research shows that MHFA training results are associated with better knowledge,
confidence in providing first aid in case of mental health problems, reduced stigma and better
support.
4. Internationally recognised as an evidence based practice by the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency of the US Department of Health and
Human Services. MHFA is listed under the National Registry of Evidence - based Programs and
Practices (NREPP) as meeting the necessary standards of evidence for effectiveness

Mental Health First Aid India Pvt. Ltd

MHFA India based in Chennai obtained the License from MHFA Australia to manage and deliver
the Standard Mental Health First Aid Program for India in August 2017. We are the only
authorized organization in India to conduct the SMHFA training for the Indian public.

When mental health and celebrities are talked about together, more often than not, advocates can
only cringe at the resulting conversation. It’s unusual for a celebrity to take up the cause
unprovoked – and it’s even more surprising coming from a global superstar Lady Gaga who
supports MHFA Global and regularly supports Mental Health First Aid Programs.

The First Lady “Michelle Obama” is also a part of MHFA USA and has provided highlights on
Mental Health with MHFA and also trained millions with government of USA.

Theresa May pledges to put prevention at top of mental health agenda. The main focus of
MHFA is to help create a healthier , Supportive and more inclusive society.

British Government funds for MHFA Programs across Britain. Theresa May also actively
supports in uplifting the social stigma attached towards mental health and promotes MHFA to
general public and advocated the importance of prevention and early intervention being
fundamental.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged his government to equip teachers with the tools and
knowledge to support students experiencing mental ill health and calls for compulsory Mental
Health First Aid Training for School Staff.

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43541240 | M: 7397383004 | W: www.mhfaindia.com | Email : mhfaindia@mhfaindia.com
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Comedy Central Television Channel launches first Long-Term Social Impact Campaign
Focussed on Driving Mental Health Culture Change With Be The Difference.
Mayor of London Supports Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for Youth Workers across
London. The Mayor of London has awarded further funding to expand the coverage of Youth
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to include youth clubs, charities working with
young Londoners and universities.

BBC Radio looks at why MHFA should be considered as important as physical first aid and how
it can be used in lots of settings. The producer shares her top tips on stress busting and why
MHFA training should be a priority for employers.

BBC MHFAiders encourage staff to “Open Up” for Mental Health Season. Over 900 Mental
Health First Aiders (MHFAiders) have been trained at the BBC to provide initial advice and
signposting to anyone who needs help with a mental health issue support a positive conversation
about mental health in the workplace. As part of ‘Open Up’, an internal awareness campaign that
forms part of the BBC’s Mental Health Season, some MHFAiders have shared their own
experiences relating to mental health and wellbeing with a view to starting conversations about
mental health at work, which can encourage people who need help to seek it.

Who can receive Mental Health First Aid training

The MHFA training can be taken by any individual 18 years and above.
Course content

Provision of the SMHFA training aims to increase knowledge on mental health, reduce stigma
and encourage early help seeking among staff at different levels. The training module will follow
the agreed international standard of Mental Health First Aid guidelines. Participants will receive
the following knowledge.

1. Mental Health Problems in India including statistics on prevalence, disability, impact on

the general public as well as details on mental health situations at Work Places in India.

2. Mental Health policy, legislations, mental health professionals, treatment & care including
substance use policies, Acts & programs in India.

3. An understanding of mental health problems, mental illnesses, and their risk factors.

4. Mental Illnesses like Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, Psychosis and Substance
Use problems, their signs and symptoms, importance of early intervention and treatments.

5. Detailed introduction of Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).

6. Application of ALGEE for each mental health problem at early stages and when in crisis
like Suicide, Non suicidal Self Injury, Panic Attacks, Traumatic events, Severe Psychotic
states, Severe Alcohol use, Drug use, Aggressive Behaviour.

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No.505, 5th Floor, Delta Wing, Raheja Towers, Old No.113-134, New No.177, Anna Salai, Chennai -600 002 C: 044 –
43541240 | M: 7397383004 | W: www.mhfaindia.com | Email : mhfaindia@mhfaindia.com
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Methodology

✔ Training duration will be 12 hours given in two full days divided in 4 sessions.

✔ Training will be delivered and managed by two Mental Health First Aid Instructors who
will be present throughout sessions.
✔ A minimum of 15 and maximum 20 people can be accommodated in one training to assure
quality and participation.
✔ On successful completion of two full days, every participant will receive a
o Certificate of Completion.
o Standard Manual 4th edition.
o All participants will be encouraged to take the online test to become Accredited
Mental Health First Aiders. Accredited Mental Health First Aider Certificate will
be valid for three years from the date of completing the training.

Expected benefits

Completion of the training will help participants

✔ Initiate open conversations about mental health

✔ Have practical skills to recognize the onset of mental illnesses and be confident in
approaching and providing first level help.
✔ Set up a responsive system through Accredited Mental Health First Aid Officers who can
play an important role in prevention and early intervention.

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No.505, 5th Floor, Delta Wing, Raheja Towers, Old No.113-134, New No.177, Anna Salai, Chennai -600 002 C: 044 –
43541240 | M: 7397383004 | W: www.mhfaindia.com | Email : mhfaindia@mhfaindia.com